2008 BMW 550 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 550 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | A |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
